Work indexing mechanism



Sept. 24, 1946. w. K. ANDREW ErAL WORK INDEXING MECHANICS Filed 'April 1s, 1942 7 sheets-sheet 1 Sept# 24, 1946- w. K. ANDREW Ell-AL WORK INDEXING MECHANISM '7 sheeis-sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1942 INVENToRs: ll/IL L lil/7 KHNDREW ATTORNEY.

Sept. 24; 1946. w. K. ANDREW ETAL WORK INDEXING MECHANISM Filed April 13, 1942 7 sheets-sheet 3 lik,

Nm wmmx SN man INVENTORS:

Sept 24, 1946. w.l K. ANDREW ET AL WORK INDEXING' MECHANISM Filed April 13, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept 24, 1946. w. K. ANDREW E'rAL WORK INDEXING MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 13, 1942 Sept. 24, 1946. w. K. ANDREWl ET Al. 2,407,970

I I WORK INDEXING MECHNISM 7 Sheets-Shleet 6 Filed April l5, 1942 QMS but

Sept 24, 1946. w. K. ANDREW ETAI. y 2,407,970

WORK INDEXING MEGHANISM Filed April 13, 1942 7 Shets-Sheet '7 Mmmm Vi INVENTDRS: WILLIE/'1 K-HNRE W 8J05EPH J-LENERT.

` A TTURNEY.

Patented Sept. 24, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WGRK INDEXING MECHANISM Application April 13, 1942, Serial No. 438,708

11 Claims.

This invention relates generally to machine tools, and more particularly to an automatic milling machine that includes a rotatable cutter and a movable work support embodying means for effecting the automatic indexing of a workpiece in timed relationship with the cyclic operation of the machine.

In order to increase the eiciency of an automatic milling machine through taking full advantage of the teachings of the present invention, the machine is provided with a pair of work supporting spindles mounted in spaced relationship on the movable work support and arranged in a manne-l1 to position separate workpieces on diametrically opposite sides of a rotatable cutter so that a cutting operation is performed on one workpiece while the other workpiece is being automatically indexed with the result that work is accomplished on each stroke of the operating cycle of the machine.

The primary object ci the present invention is to provide a machine tool having a movable Work support including new and improved work indexing means arranged to `be actuated from a source of power separate from the machine transmission and under control of the movable work support so that the automatic operation of the work indexing means will result in the retention of one workpiece in indexed position for contact with the cutter while the other workpiece is being indexed preparatory to being brought into contact with the cutter on the next succeeding operating stroke of the machine.

Another object is to provide new and improved control means operative under the influence of relative movement between a stationary and a movable member of the machine tool, for controlling the application or" power to effect the automatic indexing operation performed upon the workpiece in accordance with the established cycle of operation of the machine.

A further object is to provide new and improved hydraulic control and actuating means for effecting the coordinated operation of the indexing mechanism of each of the work holding elements in a manner that results in the indexing of one workpiece at a position remote from the cutter while the other workpiece is effectively locked against movement at a position in the proximity of the cutter.

According to this invention a milling machine of standard type having a vertically disposed cutter spindle and a work support arranged for reciprocating movement toward and from the axis of the cutter spindle is provided with a new and improved work holding element adapted to move with the work support to periodically bring the workpiece into contact with the rotating cutter and to index the workpiece on each successive cycle of machine operation to produce a series of Yuniformly spaced cuts in the face of the Workpiece to form a gear or the like. Suitable work clamping and locking or latching mechanisms are provided to releasably retain the workpiece in indexed position and they operate under the influence of movement of the index operating mechanism to Icontrol the sequence of operations in a manner to eiect the automatic release of clamping pressure on the Work holding spindle, the release of the locking mechanism, the indexing movement oi the workpiece, the reengagement of the lock, and the application of clamping pressure on the work holding spindle in response to the operation of a control element that is actuated [by relative movement between the movable work support and stationary portion of the machine.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention, which will become more fully apparent from the following detailed specication, may be achieved by means of the particular milling machine constituting an exemplifying embodiment of the invention that is depicted in and described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a milling machine provided with work holding elements capable of automatic operation to index, lock and clamp workpieces in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in horizontal section taken substantially along the plane of the line 2-2 of Fig. i, and showing the relative positioning of the cutting tool and work holding elements that operate automatically to index, lock and clamp the workpiece in response to cyclic movement of the workpiece with respect to the rotating cutter;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevational View of the front face of the movable Work supporting element and shows a set of trip dogs and cooperating elements that are operative to control the direction and rate of movement of the work supporting element;

Fig. 4 is a view of the work holding clement partly in side elevation and partly in axial section showing the work holding, indexing and latching elements;

Fig. 5 is a View in rear elevation of the work holdin?,r element including the indexing and latch- 3 ing elements with parts broken away to disclose structural details; i

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of the movable work supporting element including the work indexing, clamping and latching elements with parts broken away to more clearly disclose structural features of the elements;

Fig. 7 is a View in vertical section taken substantially along the plane of the line lof Fig. 6 and showing a check valve arranged in the indexing cylinder of the hydraulic operating and control system;

Fig. 8 is a view in perspective of the actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the spindle clamping, work indexing, and the latching mechanisms;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a portion of the work indexing and latching mechanism;

Fig. l is a view in horizontal section taken substantially along the plane of the line lt--lii of Fig. 9 and showing the latch releasing pawl in elevation, the dot-dash showing of the pawl indicating its lateral pivotal displacement during the idle return stroke of the indexing mechanism;

Fig. 1l is a view in side elevation of the control mechanism arranged on the rear face of the table and operative at a predetermined point of table travel to effect the automatic operation of the clamping, indexing and latching mechanisms;

Fig. l2 is a view in vertical axial section through the work holding spindle and showing a modified form of means for releasably retaining a workpiece in the indexable spindle; and

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control and operating circuits of the machine and including portions of the clamping, indexing and latching mechanisms. y

Referring more specifically to the drawings, Figs. l and 2 thereof show the general structure of the automatic milling machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention that is referred to herein by way of example. As there shown, the machine comprises essentially a bed or base 23, constituting the inachine frame and having secured at its rear porion an upstanding column 2l arranged to provide suitable guide means for a spindle block 22 from which the usual overarms 23 extend. An

attachment 2li, including a vertical spindle 25, is supported by the overarms 23 and a suitable harness or bracket 26 secured to the bed 2t. The harness 25 is provided with slots 21 adapted to receive cap screws 2S that serve to provide a rigid anchoring means for the forward ends of the overarms 23 to maintain the attachment 24 securely in desired position of adjustment. The

toward and from the axis of the cutter 29 in thev usual manner on guide ways (not shown) formed on the bed 20?. The front face of the table 3l is provided with T-slots adapted to slidably receive a plurality of sets of individual trip dogsA 53, 3d and 35 that may be secured in desired position of relative adjustment. The trip dogs that are shown in Fig. 1 and the set shown more clearly in Fig. 3 operate -control members 36, 3l

Uil

and 3E respectively to effect automatic changes in rate, stop, and reversal of table travel in accordance with the adjustment of the trip dogs and the position of the table with respect to the cutter. The manual control of the direction and rate of table travel movement may be effected by manipulating a hand lever 39 positioned adjacent to the spindle control lever 3i) and operable to control the table transmission (not shown) in a well known manner.

For the purpose of increasing the production efciency of the machine so that a cutting operation is performed on each forward and return stroke of the table, two work holding fixtures 4l), that are identical save for opposite hand arrangement, maybe secured to the table 3l in spaced relationship in a manner to alternately direct separate workpieces into the path of the rotating cutter 29 at diametrically opposite sides thereof. Each fixture includes a base 6I, a body portion l2 and a hollow work spindle 43. The base 4l is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the table 3l by means of T-bolts 44 that are anchored in the usual T-slots formed in the upper surface of the table. The body portion 42 of the xture il is arranged for adjustable rotatable positioning about a vertical axis upon the base 4|. A centrally disposed circular recess 45 (see Fig. 4) formed in the base lll serves as a journal to receive a trunnion dii formed on the body portion 42 to locate and guide its movement on the base el. The body portion 62 is secured in adjusted angular position on the base 4I by tightening nuts on T-bolts il that pass through a flange 48 and ride in an annular T-slot 49 formed in the base lll and arranged concentrically with the recess 135. The hollow spindle 43 of the work holding fixture 40 is journalled for rotatable movement about a horizontal axis in a pair of tapered sleeve bushings 52 that are positioned in a horizontally disposed bore 53 formed inthe body portion d2. The spindle t3 includes a head 54,

a tapered bearing portion 55, a splined shank 56 and a threaded end 5l. The spindle 43 is receivable through the bore 53 to a position in which the head 54 lies in the forward end of the bore 53 and the tapered bearing portion 55 in the forward tapered sleeve bushing 52. A sleeve element Gl provided with a splined central bore 52 is slidably receivable on the splined shank 56 of the spindle 43. The sleeve 6i includes a tapered bearing surface 63 for cooperation with the other tapered bushing 52 to support the rearward end of the spindle 43. For the purpose of eliminating axial lmovement ofthe spindle in the tapered bushings 52, an adjusting nut 64 is receivable on the threaded end 5l of the spindle 43. As the nut 6d is tightened, it engages the end of the sleeve 6i and effects the drawing in of the spindle 43 to eliminate end play between the spindle and `the spindle supporting bearings.

To provide a means for effecting indexing movement of the spindle, a template 65 of suitable form and size is receivable on a tapered hub portion 5G of the sleeve element El of the spindle 63. The indexing template E5 may be releasably retained on the hub 56 by the application of cap screws 5l that pass through the template and are threaded into suitable holes formed'in a locating and backing flange 68 of the sleeve 6i.

The hollow indexable spindle 43 is arranged to receive a collet ill. As shown in Fig. 4, the spindle 43 contains an axial bore 1I having an internally threaded mouth l2 at its forward end, a shoulder '13, a tapered bearing surface 'lll and a keyway 15 extending inwardly from the threaded end 51 'of the spindle. The collet "lil comprises a sleeve element :constructed in two pieces, a headpiece l5 having an outwardly flared end with Va taper 'Il matching .that `of the bearing surface 'I4 of the spindle bore 'Il and provided with ra plurality of axially arranged radially disposed slots 18 to ldivide the forward end of Ythe collet 'IU into a plurality of jaws 'l5 and a tailpiece v8f! threadedly receivable in the headpiece 16 and including an externally threaded rear'end portion BI having a keyway 82 that is arranged to match the keyway 75 formed in the spindle bore 1l. A key S3 serves to retain the ycollet 'I3 and spindle 43 `in fixed angular relationship. The axial positioning of the collet lil within the spindle 43 -is adjustably controlled by a nut 84 that is receivable on the threaded end `2H of the tailpiece 8i) `of the collet and engages the end 51 of the spindle to -cause the collet 'lll to be drawn inwardly to eiect the closing of the jaws 'I9 to releasably retain an adapter or work holder -33 in xed position in the collet.

The adapter or work holderflll comprises a cylindrical body portion 9i arranged to be gripped between the jaws I9 and includes an extended cylindrical portion S2 adapted to receive a workpiece and provided with an axially arranged bore t3 with threading for the receipt of Va cap screw 94 that may be manipulated to apply a clamping 'pressure upon a C-washer B5 applied to the cap screw 94 between its head and the workpiece.

For the purpose of maintaining uniformity of positioning of the succession of workpieces applied to the adapter 90, `a locating means is provided in the form of a spacer element 9S having a definite measurement between a work contacting face 91 and a shoulder 98 `formed adjacent a hub 99 that is receivable in a bore Hill of .a plug itl adapted to be threaded into the mouth 'E2 of the spindle bore 'III until it seats on the shoulder 13.

For the purpose of regulating the extent of rapid traverse movement, feed movement, and

accurately setting the point .of reversal of the table travel, the several tripping vdogs 33, 34 and i 35 should be secured in proper positions in the lower T-slot 32 of the table 3l.. Since the operation illustrated in the drawings, that of gear gashing, requires both uniformity and .accuracy of successive cuts, precision .means is provided for setting the reversing dog .35 .so that .the .extent of the table travel in either direction will remain constant and the `depth of each tooth will be identical. The means, chosen for this adjustment in the present instance, :comprises an adjusting screw |05 having one end thereof threaded in an anchor block It that is adapted to be secured in desired position of adjustment with respect to the reversing dog .35 in the lower T-slot 32 by the tightening of an .anchoring bolt lill. The primary or rough positioning of the reversing dog 35 may be made by positioning the rearward edge of the dog with regard to a scale |38 secured in a position of adjustment in the upper T-slot 32 by the application of suitable anchoring bolts. With the reversing dog 35 anchored in approximately the proper position, preferably short of the .position required to give the correct depth to the cut, a test cut may be made and the depth of tooth measured to indicate the additional amount of movement required to set the depth of cut accurately. With the adjusting screw |05 moved into contact with the reversing dog 35 and a reading taken between a reference line |09 on the dog and a calibrated scale H0 on the head of the screw |05, the Ascrew may be retracted the desired amount .and the reversing dog maybe moved into Vabutting relationship with the head of the screw .Where another accurate reading may be made on the scale H0. By means of the adjusting screw, the reversing dog may be accurately positioned and then anchored to insure table reversal at the exact `position required to `give the desired `depth of cutin the workpiece.

In .operating themachine, after a workpiece has .been applied to each of the adapter `elements '90, and the .several dogs 33, .34 .and 35 have been properly positioned in the lower table T-slot3`2, `the operator may throw the lever 3@ to the position .shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 to `engage the spindle transmission to rotate the cutterand he may linitiate movement of the table 31| in selected direction by shifting the lever 39 .either to the right or left to engage the table transmission. With the cutter rotating and the `talole in motion, one .or the other of the workpieces will be brought toward `the cutter. As the `workpiece approaches the cutter 29, the trip dog 313 will engage .the control member 35 and aotuate it .in well known manner toengage the table transmission at feed rate of `movement so that the workpiece will be fed into the path of the rotating cutter at the proper rate of movement.. As the cutter 29 reaches the Vproper depth of out inthe workpiece, one of the `reversing dogs 35 which has been previously secured in precise position of `adjustment actuates the `control .member 38 to effect reversal in the direction of tab-le travel and cause the other workpiece to move toward the cutter at a rapid traversel rate of movement. As the second workpiece .approaches the cutter, the speed of the table travel is Areduced to feed rate `by the action of the other trip dog 33 on the control member 36 and .the cutter 29 lengages the workpiece to effect the `cutting operation to the depth controlled by the adjustment of the other reversing dog 35. The stop dogs 34 are provided merely .as a safety device and operate, in the absence .or'failure of the reversing dogs 35, `to disengage the .table transmission to insure against damage to either the workpiece or the machine.

The duplex arrangement of the machine, resulting from Vthe .provision `of two work spindles arranged on opposite Vsides of the cutter, provides a means for effecting a lcutting operation on each stroke of .the table so that two workpieces are acted vupon on each cycle of machine operation.

I'Ihe completion of the `gear cutting operation in an automatic machine of the type here shown requires that each workpiece be accurately indexed at `one phase of the cycle and retained securely in indexed positionduring another phase .of the` cycle to permit the cutting operation to be `accomplished with the degree of accuracy required.

In order to effect proper indexing of the workpieces, separate but identical hydraulically actuated indexing mechanisms are provided for the work spindle 43 of each xture 40. Each work spindle indexing mechanism is actuated by a hydraulic motor H5 and includes a. spindle clamping mechanism and. a spindle latching mechanism. The operation of the work spindle clamping and latching mechanisms is coordinated with the operation of the indexing mechanism in a manner to insure the release of the ,clamping and latching .action prior to the indexing operation and the reestablishment of the clamping and 7 latching operation upon the completion of the indexing operation.

As shown in Fig. 6, each hydraulic motor ||5 comprises a cylinder H6, mounted on the body portion 42 of each fixture 40, and a, piston ||1 having a piston rod ||8 guided for reciprocating movement in the body portion of the xture and provided with a rack Vportion IIS.

Each spindle indexing mechanism comprises am indexing bar |20 guided for reciprocating movement in a channel |2| and retained therein by the application of a cover plate |22. Reciprocating motion is imparted to the indexing bar |20 by means of a wide faced pinion |23 that is journalled in the body portion 42 in meshing engagement with the rack portion I I9 of the piston rod I I8 and in meshV with a rack portion |24 formed on the indexing bar |20. Movement of the indexing bar |20 is transmitted to an indexing pawl |25 that is rockably mounted on a pin |20 anchored in a block |21 that is guided for axial sliding movement in a channel |28 formed in the indexing bar |20, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 8. The block |21 is normally retained in an extreme position in contact with an end wall |20 of the channel |28 by the action of a coil spring |30 surrounding a guide rod |31, that lserves to retain the block |21 in the indexing bar |20, and disposed between one end of the channel |28 and the block |21. The pawl |25 is normally urged into contact with a tooth of the indexing template 05 by means of a coil spring |32 disposed between the block |21 and the free end of the pawl |25. The amount of indexing movement imparted to the work spindle 43 is dependent upon the adjustment of the stroke of the piston ||1 and the block |21.

The adjustment of the stroke of the piston |1 may be effected by manipulating a set screw |35 to a position wherein it abuts the end of the piston rod in its extreme forward position. The desired position of adjustment may be retained by tightening a jam nut |36 to lock the set screw |35 and thus limit the forward stroke of the piston I I1 and hence the amount of movement imparted to the indexing bar |20 through partial rotation of the pinion |23. The stroke of the pawl |25 may be further limited by cutting down the extent of movement of the block |21. This may be accomplished by the manipulation of a set screw |31, the free end of which isarranged to pass through a hole |30 formed in the end wall of the indexing bar |20, to a position in which it abuts the end of the block |21 to limit the travel of the block |21 and the pawl |25 in desired extreme position. When the proper adjustment has been made, a, jam nut |39 may be tightened to lock the set screw |31. vThe adjustment of the extent of movement of the piston ||1 and the pawl |25 provides a simple and effective means for adjusting the extent of indexing movement imparted to the work spindle 43 through the action of the pawl |25 o-n the template 65.

The latching or locking mechanism, that functions to releasably retain the work spindle 43 in indexed position, is also under the control'of the indexing mechanism. The latching or locking mechanism comprises a plunger |40 guided for vertical movement in a bearing |4| positioned in the body portion 42 of the xture in a manner to overlie a portion of the template E and the indexing bar |20. The plunger |40 is provided with a tooth |42. on its lower end adapted to engage' any of a series of indexing teeth or notches, formed on the template 65, under the action of a coil spring |43 that reacts against the top of the plunger |40 and a cover plate |44 that is applied to the body portion V42 ofthe fixture. The plunger |40 may be manually raised to disengage the tooth |42 from locking engagement with the template by the manipulation of a key |45 that may be inserted through a hole |40 and into a key slot |41 formed in the plunger |40, as shown in Fig. 4. Under normal'circumstances, however, the release'of the locking engagement of the tooth |42 with the template is performed automatically underthe 'action of a pawl |48 that is pivotally mounted on a pin |49 secured in the indexing bar |20, as shown in Figs. 6, 8 and l0. On the forward, or inactive, stroke of the indexing bar |20, a cam surface |50 formed on the pawl |48 contacts a cam surface |5| formed on the plunger |40 and the contact between these two surfaces results in the lateral displacement of the pawl against the action of a coil spring |52.l Upon completion of the forward stroke of the indexing bar |20, the coil spring urges the pawl to its forward position and as the return, or active indexing stroke is begun, a cam surface |53 formed on the pawl engages a cam surface 54 formed on the plunger |40, Fig. 9, and causes the plunger to rise thus raising thetooth |42 from locking engagement with the template 35. The plunger |40 is retained in elevated position by Contact with thevpawl |43 throughout `the indexing stroke of the bar|20 during which the indexing p-awl |25 has engaged the next succeeding tooth on the template to effect the indexing movement to the work spindle 43. When the indexing movement is completed the pawl passes out of contact with the plunger |40 and the coil spring urges the plunger downwardly to enga-ge the tooth |42 with the tooth on the template 05 to lock the same in indexed position.

The spindle clamping mechanism, that functions to exert a clamping pressure on the work spindle 43 to insure the rigid holding of the workpiece during the cutting operation, is also actuated under the control of the indexing mechanism. The clamping mechanism comprises a clamping bar |00 guided for reciprocating movement in the body portion 42 of the xture 40. As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, the clamping bar '|00 is provided with a rack portieri |0| that meshes with the lower portion of the wide faced pinion |23 in a manner to effect Vits axial displacement upon rotative movement of the pinion E23. The outer or free end of the clamping bar |00 is provided with a transversely disposed slot |52 adapted to receive a pin |03 carriedby an arm |04 that is movable to effect the clamping action on the work spindle 43. The clamping actionl is obtained through a stud |05 that is anchored in the body portion 420i the fixture and extends through an ear |60 thatris an integral part of the body but that has an end and two sides cut free from the remainder of the body of the fixture. A nut |61 threaded onto the stud |65 is provided with a serrated peripheral surface adapted to receive a serrated hole |68 formed in the arm |64. The serrations on the nut and arm provide a simple and effective means for adjusting the nut |01 on the stud |65 in a manner such that the movementof the clamping bar |30, under the action of the pinionV |23, is sufficient to apply adequate clamping pressure upon the forward spindle bearing to effectively retain the work spindle 43 against any movement during the cutting operation. Upon retracting movement of the clamping bar, the pressure is relieved and the spindle is free to be indexed under the action of the pawl |25 in the manner previously described.

The hydraulic system shown. schematically in Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a circuit including valve means adapted to be controlled in a manner to energize the motors i to effect movement of the indexing and associated clamping and latching mechanisms to produce a sequence of operations in accordance with the requirements of the work at hand. The hydraulic circuit includes a motor driven pump lid adapted to receive a supply of uid from a sump 51| through a conduit |12. A. motor supply conduit |13 is provided with a check valve iid operative to prevent back pressure in the circuit and a pressure relief valve |15 operative to establish the desired working pressure in the circuit. The supply conduit |13 delivers fluid under pressure from the pump H to the central portion of a cylinder i'it formed in a valve |11 that includes a movable plunger H8 provided with a central landll and a pair of end lands iii spaced from the central land |18 by grooves itil. The plunger |18 of the valve |11 is maintained in one or the other extreme position under the influence ci pressure iiuid delivered from a pilot valve |82. A conduit |83 that branches from the main pressure line |13 leads fluid under pressure to the pilot valve 82, the valve stem of which is actuated by an arm idd under the control of an operating pin |35 mounted on the machine bed 2d as shown in Fig. 1.1. The pilot valve |82 serves to direct the fluid under pressure to one or the other end of the cylinder |16 through the selected one oi two conduits |86 to force the plunger |18 toward the far end of the cylinder. With the plunger |18 in the position shown, fluid under pressure is directed to the top of the `cylinder H55 of the right hand motor H5 through a conduit |81 to force the piston ||1 downwardly, as shown in Fig. 13, to effect the clamping ci its associated work spindle in a manner previously described to rigidly secure the same in proper indexed position. When the clamping pressure in the right hand cylinder H6 has been built up to the required value, fluid under pressure will pass from a port |88, that is uncovered during the movement of the piston H1, through a conduit |89 to a seouence valve |88 where it acts upon a valve plunger |9I to urge it to open position against the action of pressure regulating spring |92. With the valve le@ in open position the fluid under pressure is delivered through a conduit ist to the lower end of the cylinder lid of the left hand motor M5 to cause the piston ||1 to move upwardly to effect the indexing movement of the work spindle in a manner previously described. i

When the cutting operation has been completed on the clamped workpiece and the table reversal has. been effected by one of the trip dogs 35, the movement of the table will eiect the tripning. of the pilot valve |82 through the operation of the pin |35 on the valve actuating arm |84 to efiect reversal of the position of the plunger |18 to cut off the supply of duid under pressure to` the topl or the right hand` cylinder and direct it through the other conduit |81 to the top of l the left hand cylinder. As the piston ||1 of the left hand cylinder moves downwardly to eiect the clamping action on the associated work spindie, the fluid contained in the lower portion of the cylinder will flow back to the sump |1| 1 through the conduit |93 into the sequence valve l Si? and through a by-pass valve wd, that isnormally maintained in closed position by the pressure of a light coil spring |95, to the conduit |89 into the right hand cylinder through port |33 and thence through the conduit |31 to the cylinder |16 in the valve |11 from which it passes to a conduit E95, by reason of the fact that the plunger |18 of the valve |11 has been moved to its `other extreme position, and thence to the sump |1|. In o-rder to permit full travel of each piston Vl i1 to complete the clamping and indexing operations, a check valve |91 is built into each cylinder I6 as shown. in detail in Fig. '1 and arranged to permit the free flow of duid under pressure from the conduit |89 to the conduit |81 when. the travel of the piston ||1 has effected the closing of the port |88. In order to carry away exhaust fluid from the sequence valves |90 and control valve |11, a conduit Hi84 leads from each of the valves Iand |11 to the sump |1|. The conduit l 98 from each of the sequence valves i529 provides assurance that any leakage of fluid past the valve plunger |9| will be discharged into the sump |1v| at latmospheric pressure to prevent a building up of pressure behind the plunger |9| in excess of the value of that exerted by the spring i552. The conduit |98 directed irom` the pilotvalve |32 to the sump |1| provides a passage for fluid selectively` from either end of the cylinder lit to permitI the plunger |18 to travel freely one extreme` position to the other under the influence of` pressure fluid from the pilot valve idR. It should `be noted at this point that the motors l I5 are arranged serially in the circuit in a manner such that the operation performed by one motor must be completed before the second motor is energized. ,tol perform its duty.

The control ofY the pilot valve |32 and the points in the cycle of table travel at which the valve |52 is shifted to reverse the flow of fluid to the cylinder .iid may be adjusted in accordance with the diameter of the cutter 29 so that the operation of the spindle clamping mechanism. is effected in `the proximity of the cutter but prior to actual contact between the cutter andiworkpiece. The tripping pin 1&5 that.` is operative to effect the shifting of `the pilot valve |82 is4 carried by a bracket 2,!!! adapted to be secured to the bed 2e of the machine, as shown in Fig. 1l, in desired position adjustment by cap screws 202 passing through slots M3 arranged to provide a means 4for permitting selected positioning of the bracket 29| with respect to thetsize of the cutter utilized on the particular type of workpiece on which the cuttingoperation is being performed. The pin is adapted to Contact one arm of a bifur- `cated `fork 2te on each stroke of the table 3| to `effect arocking movement of the fork on a pivot 295 that positions it on the rear face ofthe table and carries `it past the pin |85. A connecting link. dit pivotally mounted on the free end the fork Eile and the valve actuating arm IS@ serves to transmit the rocking movement of the -forlr ddii to the-stemlof the valve |82 to. eifect its reversal on each stroke oi the table 3| to thereby effect `the automatic operation of the work spindle indexing and associated clamping` and` locking mechanisms to produce the results previously described.

A niodiiied formA of adapter or work holder is shown in Fig. i2 of the accompanying drawings. While `this forni of work holder partakes of the general characteristics of the one previously described, it has particular advantages in the handling of certain types of workpieces. The modied form oi work holder comprises a Vplug 2li) having a threaded iiangeZII that is receivable in the threaded mouth 12in the head 54 of the hollow spindle 43 and a tapered bearing surface 2I2 adapted to contact the tapered bearing surface `'Ml of the spindle to insure its proper location. The plug 2li) includes a central bore 2l3 adapted to receive the hub 99 of the work locating or spacer element 96 that has a denite measurement between the work contacting face 91 and the shoulder I 0i) that abuts the face of the plug 2i Ei. In the present instance, the spacer element Qt is removably secured to the plug by means of cap screws 2i4. A Work supporting element or bar 2| 5 includes an enlarged end portion 2| 5 that is guided for axial movement in the bore 2|3 of the plug andretained against rotary Vmovement by the coaction of a keyway 2l'l formed in the bore 2l3 and a pin ZIB mounted in the portion ZIE. The forward portion of the bar 215 passes through the central bore in the spacer` 96 and extends a suilicient distance beyond the surface 9'!V to permit the application of a workpiece over Ythe forward end of the bar. A groove 2I9 formed adjacent theend of bar 2|5 serves, to receive a-workpiece retaining element in the form of a C-washer 220. A simple and convenient means is provided Afor eiecting the ready application or release of clamping pressure upon the workpiece. A stud 22| anchored in the end portion 216 of the work supporting element 2l 5 extends rearwardly through theV hollow spindle 43 and passes through a central opening formed in a plug 222 that is receivable into the open end of the spindle and includes a flange V223 for pressure contact with the end of the spindle 43. A nut 224 that is threadedly received on the stud 22! may be tightened against the outer surface of the plug 222 to effect a drawing inaction on the work supporting element 2I5 to apply a clamping pressure on the workpiece through the action of the C-washer 220. After the cutting operations on the workpiece are complated the mit 224 may be loosened and the "1 C-washer 220 slid out of the groove 219 to permit the removal of the nished workpiece and the application of an uncut workpiece.

From the foregoing detailed description of the cially adapted for eicient and convenient Operation` and that may be adjusted readily to accommodate a wide variety of workpieces.

Although. the illustrative embodiment of the invention has been `described in considerable detailfor the purpose of making a full disclosure of a practical operative structure by means of which the invention may be practiced, it is to be understood that various novel features of the invention may beincorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the subjoined claims.

The principles of the invention having now been fully explained in connection with the foregoing description of the embodying apparatus, we hereby claim as our invention:

1. The combination with a machine tool including a rotatable cutter and a reciprocatable work support. -of a pair of indexable work holding spindles arranged on said reciprocata-ble work support in a manner to effect alternate movement of each work spindle toward and from said cutter, an indexing and clamping mechanism operatively associated with each work spindle, a hydraulic motor for effecting the operation of each of said mechanisms. a power source for said motors, and control means operative to energize one of said motors to effect the indexing movement of its associated work spindle and energize the other of said motors to effect the clamping operation on its associated work spindle.

2. The combination with a machine tool including a rotatable cutter and a reciprocatable work support, of a pair of indexable work holding spindlesarranged in spaced relationship `on said reciprocatable work support at diametrically opposite sides of said cutter in a manner to effect alternate movement of each work spindletoward and from said cutter, an indexingY and clamping,r mechanism operatively associated with each work spindle, a hydraulic motor for effecting the operation of each of said mechanisms, a power source for said motors, and control means operative on each stroke of'said reciprocating work support to energize one of said motors to effect the indexing movement of its associated work spindle and energize the other of said motors to eiect the clamping operation on its associated work spindle.

3. The combination with a machine tool including a rotatable cutter and a reciprocatable work support, of a pair of indexable work holding spindles arranged on said reciprocatable worksupport in a manner tov effect alternatemovement of each Work spindle toward and `from said cutter, an indexing and clampingmechanism operatively associated with each work spindle, a hydraulic motor for eilecting the operation of each of said mechanisms, a power Vsource for said motors, and control means lresponsive to movement of said reciprocating work support to energize one of said motors to effect the indexingA movement of its associated work spindle at a position remote from said cutter and energize the other of said motors to effect the clamping operation on its associated work spindle at a position in the proximity of said cutter.

e. The combination `with a machine tool including a rotatable cutter and a reciprocatable work support, of a pair of indexable work holding spindles arranged on said reciprocatable work support ina manner to eiect alternate movement of each work spindle toward and from said cutter, an indexing and clamping mechanism operatively associated with each work spindle, a pair of serially connected hydraulic motors each operatively associated with one of said indexing and clamping mechanisms, a power source for spindles arranged on said reciprocatable work support in a manner to effect alternate movement of each work spindle toward and from said cutter, an indexing and clamping mechanism operatively associated with each work spindle, a pair of serially connected hydraulic motors each operatively associated with one of said indexing and clamping mechanisms,- a Vpower Asource for said motors, and control means responsive to movement of said reciprocating work support to energize one of said motors to effect the clamping operation on its associated Work spindle at a position in the proximity of said cutter prior to energizing the other of said motors to effect the indexing movement of its associated work spindle at a position remote from said cutter.

6. In a milling machine, a cutter supporting spindle, a Work carrying table mounted for reciprocatory movement in cooperating relationship with said cutter supporting spindle, a pair of indexing fixtures mounted on said table at opposite sides of said spindle in positions to present Work pieces to a cutter on said spindle, table driving and controlling mechanism arranged to effect reciprocatory movement of said table over a predetermined course of action adapted to feed Work pieces on said fixtures into opposite sides of a cutter on said spindle alternately, means to eiiect indexing movement of each of said xtures independently for presenting successive Work piece elements to the cutter, means to clamp each of said xtures for holding its work piece rigidly in position to be engaged by the cutter, control means responsive to movement of said table and operative to effect indexing of each fixture when at a position remote from said spindle and to effect clamping of each iixture when at a position adjacent to said spindle, and interlocking means associated With said control means and operative to prevent indexing movement of either xture until after the other xture has been clamped.

7. In a machine tool, the combination with a cutter supporting structure, of a Work supporting table slidably mounted for reciprocating movement in cooperating relationship With said cutter supporting structure, a pair of indexing Work carrying members mounted in spaced relationship on said table in manner to support work pieces for alternate engagement With a cutter on said cutter supporting structure, control means arranged to effect indexing and locking of said Worl: carrying members, and interlocking means associated With said control means and arranged to provide for clamping one of said indexing members as a prerequisite to unclamping and indexing movement of the other indexing member.

8. In an automatic milling machine having a frame, a cutter carrying spindle rotatably mounted on said frame, a Werl; supporting table slidably mounted on said frame in cooperating relationship with said cutter carrying spindle, a pair of indexing Work holding iixtures carried by said table in position to cooperate alternately With said cutter carrying spindle, means operating automatically to eiectreciprocating movement of said table through a predetermined distance, automatic control means arranged to lock each indexing iixture as it approaches said cutter carrying spindle, and automatic control means arranged to effect indexing movement of each xture when it is at a position remote from said cutter carrying spindle.

9. In a machine tool, the combination with a cutter supporting structure, of a work supporting table slidably mounted for reciprocating movement in cooperating relationship With said cutter supporting structure, a pair of indexing work carrying members mounted in spaced relationship on said table in manner to support Work pieces for alternate engagement With a cutter on said cutter supporting structure, control means actuated in response to movement of said table and arranged to effect indexing and locking of said Work carrying members, and interlocking means associated with said control means and arranged to provide for clamping one of said indexing members as a prerequisite to unclamping and indexing movement of the other indexing member.

l0. In an automatic milling machine having a frame, a cutter carrying spindle rotatably mounted on said frame, a Work supporting table slidably mounted on said frame in cooperating relationship with said cutter carrying spindle, a pair of indexing Work holding xtures carried by said table in position to cooperate alternately With said cutter carrying spindle, means operating automatically to elect reciprocating movement of said table through a predetermined distance, and control means operating in response to movement of said table and arranged to lock each indexing xture as it approaches said cutter carrying spindle and to eiTect indexing movement of each fixture when it is at a position remote from said spindle.

1l. In an automatic machine tool, the combination With a frame, a cutter carrying spindle rotatably mounted in said frame, and a Work carrying table movably mounted on said frame in cooperating relationship with said cutter carrying spindle, of a pair of Work supporting indexing fixtures mounted on said table at opposite sides of said spindle, hydraulic actuating mechanism arranged to operate said indexing fixtures in manner to index and clamp Work pieces in successive positions, Work feeding mechanism operatively arranged to eiect automatic reciprocating movement of said table, a hydraulically actuated valve arranged to control said indexing and clamping mechanism in manner to effect alternate indexing and clamping actions of said pair of indexing fixtures, and a pilot valve arranged to be actuated in response to movement of said table and operative to effect actuation of said control valve in manner to cause successive alternate indexing and clamping actions in coordinated relationship with feeding movements of said table.

WILLIAM ANDREW. JOSEPH J. LENERT. 

